If you plan to market your book online, you will need 3D book and mobile device mockups displaying your eye-catching cover. The good news? There are several free methods to create them:

1. Online generators that allow you to create and download PNGs with transparent backgrounds (so you can layer the book on other images and ad templates).
2. You can download and manually edit PSD templates in GIMP.
3. Use online design software for a drag-and-drop editing process. Online design software usually has a set of free template options, allowing you to drag your cover image into a scene. You can also access additional designs with membership plans.

TIP: To view the videos below, click the Fullscreen icon (the one furthest to the bottom-right when you move the mouse pointer over the video). Then, use the [ESC] key to exit full screen.

DISCLAIMER: I am not associated with nor do I receive any payments from any of these product or service providers. I am an artist who benefits from these technologies and resources. OK, fine—I’m also a nerd who enjoys turning what I know and learn into tutorials for writers, artists, and others with tight budgets.​

These steps use GIMP, so make sure you have GIMP installed! You can watch the full tutorial on YouTube here. Be sure to subscribe when you get there!

PREPARE COVER IMAGES

For online generators and design software, you upload a picture of your front cover and, sometimes, your book spine and back cover. Open your full cover image in GIMP and create individual graphics for the front, back, and spine of your cover.

If you did not create your cover in GIMP, convert the cover to PDF, and then:

1. Drag and drop the PDF into the GIMP window.
2. In the Import from PDF window, set the Resolution to 300 DPI.
3. Click on Import.
4. Complete the steps below.

If you imported your PDF or created your cover in GIMP (open the file):

1. Activate the Rectangle Select Tool.
2. Drag and select the area of your front cover.
3. Select Image > Crop to Selection.
4. Select File > Export As and name it cover_front.png.
5. Click Export and Export.
6. Press [Ctrl + Z] to undo the Crop to Selection.
7. Use the Rectangle Select Tool to select the area of the spine.
8. Select File > Crop to Selection and File > Export As cover_spine.png.
9. Press [Ctrl + Z] to undo the Crop to Selection.
10. Select File > Export As and name it cover_back.png.

ONLINE GENERATORS

DIY Book Design

This Free Book Cover Mockups generator allows you to create 3D print covers and e-covers for tablets and smartphones. Choose individual 3D covers or composites with your cover on multiple devices.

1. Click on Single or Composite to view available cover images.
2. Click the image to select it and then click Next at the top of the page.
3. Click the Browse button and select cover_front.png.
4. Click Upload.
5. Repeat for the spine, if needed.
6. Once all images are uploaded, click on Next at the top of the page.
7. Scroll down on the page and click on the PNG button to download the image to your default downloads folder.
8. Use the Back button at the top of the page to navigate back to select a new book cover graphic.

Boxshot

Boxshot allows you to transform the perspective, depth of field, focus, and lighting of your 3D cover mockup. Unfortunately, the free image will have a white background, but you can purchase a higher resolution image with a transparent background or manually edit the background out later.

1. Click the Front box and select your cover_front.png image.
2. Repeat for the Spine and Back boxes.
3. Use the sliders in the Object Parameters pane until the cover is how you want it.
4. Click the Download button.
5. Standard resolution is free, but you can choose to purchase a higher resolution.

Insofta 3D Book Cover Maker

Insofta allows you to create print book and iPhone mockups for your book.

1.  Select a template.
2.  Click the Browse buttons for each of the Front image, Back image, and Left image (spine).
3. Select the Size and other Options.
4. Set the Image format to .png.
5. Click Render.
6. At the top of the page, right-click the image that rendered and choose Save image as and save it.

Editable PSD Templates

If you know your way around GIMP, you can download PSD template files to manually customize with your book images.

Here are some places to find free 3D cover mockups:

• Freepik – Click on the PSD and Free filters to show only free PSD graphics. Click the image to review its license and click its Download button. Click on the Free download button and choose PSD (or download the ZIP).
• Free PSD Templates – Click a template to view its page. Scroll down to click on the Download button. Wait for the countdown to complete and click on Start Download.
• PSD Freebies – Click the mockup to view its page. Scroll down toward the bottom of the page to find the Download button with a bee on it.

Once you have a PSD template downloaded, open it in GIMP.

1. Drag your cover_front.png image into GIMP over the PSD template. NOTE: You may need to add a new transparent layer and drag your cover to it. Look at the bottom of the Layers panel for the Create a new layer button.
2. If needed, select the Rotate tool ([SHIFT + R]).
3. Rotate the cover and press [Enter] when it is in the desired position.
4. If needed, select the Scale tool ([Shift + S]) and press [Enter] when the two corners closest to the spine are aligned. TIP: Press and hold [Shift] while dragging corners to maintain the aspect ratio.
5. If needed, select the Perspective tool ([Shift + P]) to align the corners.
6. Drag the corners to distort the cover until all edges are aligned.
7. Repeat for the spine and back cover, as needed.
8. Save the source *.xcf file (in case you want to make changes later) and File > Export As and *.png file.

ONLINE DESIGN SOFTWARE

You can use these online design apps to mockup book covers and mobile devices, adding those mockups to pre-designed ad templates.

Book Brush

Book Brush gives you a lot of templates for free.

1. Once logged in, click on Instant Mockups.
2. In the left panel, click on the Drag & Drop box to select your cover image.
3. Click on 3D under Size.
4. Browse and select a template on the right side of the screen. You can select more than one design.
5. Click Convert Now at the bottom of the screen.
6. When it is done converting, click on the Download Your Images button to save your book image.

Canva

Canva has book, device, and social media ad templates you can customize for your books.

1. Search for book mockup.
2. Click on the All Filters button, scroll to the bottom of the Filters pane, and click on the Free button and then Apply.
3. Click a template to view its page and then click on the Customize this template button.
4. Click on Uploads and then Upload files to select your cover images.
5. Drag your cover over the book in the image until the cover preview lays over the book and then release the mouse button.
6. Edit other text and elements, as desired.
7. When you are done, select File > Download.
8. Set the type as PNG and Download.